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meters can be influenced during preparation and extraction: the grind size, dosage
and tamping pressure as well as the extraction volume. Attempt to get the perfect
balance of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness.
Adapt the factors of your extracting method in small steps one by one to achieve the
taste you prefer. For your assistance, the pressure gauge of the appliance gives a
clue for finding the optimum settings and procedures. As a starting point, you should
use the defaults of the appliance. For your first steps, the double-wall filter baskets
make it easier to find the optimum combination of factors.
Selection and Storage of Coffee Beans
• It is best to grind coffee beans directly before the extraction. Aroma and taste
will fade quickly, when storing coffee powder for more than a week. Buy coffee
beans in small batches to reduce the storage time.
• Use the integrated grinder of the machine for grinding and measuring up the
dosage just before starting an extraction.
• Store coffee beans or coffee powder on a cool, dark place in a dry, air-tight
container. Using a vacuum sealer from Gastroback, you can vacuum seal your
coffee beans or powder in appropriate portions to preserve aroma and taste.
THE GRIND
• The grind size will influence the rate at which the water flows through the coffee
powder in the filter basket and, therefore, the taste of the espresso. The grind
size should be fine but not too fine. If the grind is too fine (looks like powder and
feels like flour when rubbed between fingers), the water will not flow through the
coffee powder even when under pressure. The resulting espresso will be dark
in colour and bitter in flavour. If the grind is too coarse, the water will flow too
quickly. The result will be lacking in colour and flavour (see also: ‘The Optimum
Extraction’).
• When purchasing already ground coffee, ensure that the coffee is suited for
espresso machines, as indicated on the packet.
• For adapting the grind size to your favourite taste, begin with a medium grind
size in a range, suited for espresso machines. This corresponds to the grind size
setting 8 (default value of the machine) for the grinder of the machine. Change
the settings in small steps to reach the desired optimum. It is normal that a few
attempts are needed for finding the correct grind size.
